The Best Coffee Shops in the Western Suburbs
Whether you are looking for a nice place to study with a cup of coffee or an inviting atmosphere to chat with your friend, the western Philly suburbs have many options. Ranging from quaint neighborhood cafes to places that double as live music lounges, Chester and Montgomery County have it all. Here is our guide to the best coffee shops that deserve a visit.
1. Gryphon Cafe: West Chester & Wayne
Gryphon Cafe has two locations; one in West Chester and one in Wayne. I have only visited the Wayne location and I love it. The large windows make it the perfect place to people watch over a cup of coffee or enjoy the views on a nice day. It has the best of both worlds with a lively downstairs area and a quiet area upstairs to study in. My favorite drink from Gryphon is their maple latte. It is the perfect amount of sweetness if you are a coffee lover like me. I also love their pastry options, especially the gluten free scones that they serve. Gryphon Cafe is an awesome place if you are looking to get some work done over a cup of coffee.
2. 260 Bridge: Phoenixville
260 Bridge is a newer location that has opened up in downtown Phoenixville, however, the warm personalities of everyone working there makes you feel right at home. They have a great pastry selection with amazing croissants. I always love their seasonal muffins. I was introduced to their Iced Strawberry Latte made with strawberry milk and I have not been able to go back. It is so delicious. Their seating is great too, with an upstairs area where you can sit outdoors if you would like. It is a little tight in the main room but if I am able to sit outside that is the best spot! You get a beautiful view of the main strip and a relaxing spot to drink your coffee. 260 Bridge is a great option if you are looking for a relaxing spot to sip a cup of coffee.
3. Butterscotch Pastry Shop: Birchrunville
We have been visiting Butterscotch Pastry Shop for years now and it never ceases to amaze! It's unique location along a flowing stream makes it the most peaceful place to sip a coffee. They also have a great food selection. We often go for breakfast even though they have a lunch menu as well. Some highlights of their menu include the croissant french toast and the crispy breakfast wrap. These are both amazing options. My coffee order is their coconut cream cold brew. The charm of the interior and their friendly staff makes it one of the coziest places to grab a cup of coffee in the area.
4. Ebru Coffee Roastery: Audubon
Ebru prides itself on following a farm-to-cup approach and customers can definitely taste the difference. Their coffee is phenomenal as well as their matcha which they are becoming increasingly known for thanks to the power of social media. I recently heard a lot of praise over their strawberry dalgona matcha so I had to try it. It is definitely worth all the attention it has been getting. Although it is a little pricey, you can tell it is made with quality ingredients. The interior of the shop is also very aesthetically pleasing. Ebru is the perfect option if you are looking for a high quality drink to keep you caffeinated throughout the day!
5. Saint Peters Bakery: St Peters
Located amongst a creek, Saint Peters Bakery serves as a great option if you are looking for a peaceful atmosphere over a cup of coffee. When they were at the farmers market in Phoenixville, we could not leave without grabbing a croissant and a cup of coffee. Now, we make the drive up to St Peters every summer. It is the perfect spot if you are exploring St. Peters and want to stop in for a quick refreshment.
6. Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery: Phoenixville
Steel City is an amazing option if you are looking for a place that turns into a live music lounge at night. By day, they serve amazing coffee and breakfast sandwiches and by night, they have open mics and small performances. It is an intimate venue and perfect if you are looking for some local music in the area while sipping on your coffee. I love trying their seasonal drinks and my favorite food there is their egg and cheese sandwich on a biscuit. Pro tip: add avocado. They serve alcoholic drinks at night for you to enjoy during their shows.
7. The Farmhouse Coffee & Espresso Bar: Downingtown
The Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar is a hidden gem in Downingtown. They even have a drive-thru for busy mornings when you are in a hurry. They are open all days of the week except Sunday from 7 AM to 4 PM and have won multiple awards for their coffee and food. Their warm interior makes it a great place to sip on a coffee while catching up on some work or chatting with a friend!
8. The Buttery: Malvern
The Malvern Buttery has a great selection of pastries and coffee. Their wide variety of pastries makes it hard to choose, but they do not disappoint. Their coffee is also top-notch. I enjoy trying their seasonal lattes. The bright interiors make the Malvern Buttery feel so warm. They even recently started serving dinner. I have not tried it yet but I have been anticipating trying their Neapolitan-Style Pizzas. They are open daily from 8 AM to 2 PM and worth checking out if you have the time!
9. Pour Richard's Coffee Co.: Devon
Pour Richard's Coffee Co. has been serving the Main Line since 2005. It is founded and run by Richard and Jean. Similar to Ebru, Pour Richard's Coffee Co. uses a sustainable approach working with local farmers and using recyclable and compostable packaging. Pour Richard's Coffee Co. is located in Devon and is worth a visit!
10. Mad Anthony: Wayne
Mad Anthony is located at the Wayne Station, making it a convenient spot to grab a cup of coffee before your train. Mad Anthony has well-crafted drinks as well as serving gelato, paninis, and light bites. You should definitely consider Mad Antony before getting on your next train at the Paoli/Thorndale Station!
Planning Your Coffee Tour
As you can see, the western Philly suburbs has many great options for coffee that are conveniently located near each other. Phoenixville has a couple on this list with Steel City and 260 Bridge located on the same strip! These are both excellent coffee options. Gryphon has two locations. One in West Chester and one in Wayne. We hope one of these spots will become your regular!
Do you have a favorite coffee shop int he western suburbs that we missed? Leave it in the comments.
Know a spot we should feature? Let us know!